Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important that I apply for admission into the program?
You may take one or two courses in this certificate program before applying for official admission. However, you should apply for admission in the program as soon as possible because, as an admitted certificate student, you receive many benefits that are unavailable to non-admitted students:

  • You will be assured that all of your course work will count toward the certificate. Sometimes requirements change.
  • You will receive relevant updates about the program.
  • You will be eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
  • You will have access to academic advising.
  • You will have an opportunity to register earlier than a student who is not admitted.
  • You will not be assessed the University of Minnesota Student Services fee if you are admitted to a certificate program and not admitted to a degree program.
  • You will be assured that the tuition you pay for a course is the approved certificate tuition rate.  See the specific certificate for the per credit tuition rate.

How long will it take for me to complete the program?
Students have four years to complete a certificate. If additional time is needed you may petition for an extension. The amount of time needed depends on several factors, including whether you are a full-time student or not, which track you select, and when elective courses are offered. For most students, three years is adequate to receive a certificate in addiction studies.

Do I need to have personal experience with chemical dependency or treatment to become an addictions counselor?
No. Employers are seeking individuals with advanced education and training in the science and practice of chemical addiction and counseling. Previous personal experience with addiction, substance abuse or treatment does not make a person more qualified, competent, or skilled at being an effective counselor than someone who has not had personal experience with chemical dependency.

Can I work as an addictions counselor if I have had chemical dependency treatment myself? 
Yes. Most agencies and clinics require a minimum of two years of sobriety prior to being hired. Similarly, the state may deny, revoke, or suspend a license if an individual has "habitually overindulged in the use of or the dependence on alcohol within the past two years" and/or has engaged in the use of any controlled substance within the past two years.

Who will benefit from the service provider certificate? 
All counselors will have clients with problems related to substance abuse and chemical dependency. All counselors would benefit from having expertise in this area.  It is very important that you read the Internship Manual before or during your first class in the certificate program.

When can I take the written exam for the MLADC licensure?
This is from the Minnesota Certification Board (MCB)
“You can take the written exam while completing your internship.
However, you cannot take the oral until all studies including your internship have been completed."

Will the certificate meet the Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor requirements?
The Addiction Studies Certificate is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing as a comprehensive 360-hour substance abuse counselor program. Our service provider track satisfies the educational requirements for the Substance Abuse Counselor credential.

What does the internship entail?
Minnesota Statues for licensure require an 880 internship focused on alcohol and drug counseling activities. The internship must meet the following guidelines:

  • the student is supervised by a person licensed as an alcohol and drug counselor with a minimum of two years counseling experience;
  • the internship is with a licensed chemical dependency program; and
  • the internship must contain a minimum of 10 clock hours in each of the 12 core functions.

Please review the Internship Manual before or during your first class in the certificate program.

What if I am only interested in taking the internship courses?
Decisions about admitting students for the internship only will be made by the faculty committee on a case-by-case basis. Individuals seeking this option must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

  • Submit transcripts documenting a minimum of 18 academic credit hours of course work related to addictions counseling
  • Successful completion of prerequisite course: UC 4001: Professional Practice of Addictions Counseling

I have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a licensed LADC, should I take the undergraduate service provider track or the graduate level service provider track?
Both the undergrad and grad level can prepare you for LADC licensure

Reasons to take the undergraduate service provider track:

  • Less expensive tuition
  • Provides all the coursework needed to sit for licensure
  • Not interested in coursework for a masters degree

Reasons to take the graduate level service provider track:

  • Can meet the admission requirements of the recommended GPA and other admission requirements
  • Want to be able to use the credits in a masters degree
  • Want to study the field at an advanced level with more in-depth academic coursework than a bachelor’s level program
  • planning on moving into management/supervisory positions

Can I include this certificate in a degree program?
Your credits earned through this certificate program may be transferable to a degree program. Check with the appropriate degree program adviser to determine if the credits will transfer. We have designed an Addiction Studies Degree Completion Program through the Inter College Program (ICP).

Do I have to take the courses in order?
Most courses required for a certificate program need not be taken in any fixed order, though some program's courses are sequenced. Also, some 4000- and 5000-level classes have prerequisite course work. Prior to taking such classes, you must complete the stated prerequisite course work or be given permission by the instructor to register.

Where can I learn more about employment opportunities with this certificate?
Informal interviews with professors, supervisors, or professionals working in your career of interest are very effective ways to to find out more about the field and about necessary skills, experience, qualifications, and how the certificate can best work for you.  In addition, the College of Continuing Education Career and Lifework Planning Services offers individual consultations, workshops, and career-related assessments that can help you explore career options. Visit the Career Options web page for a variety of information about the field.

Can previous credits I have earned elsewhere be used towards the certificate requirements?
With approval, transfer course work completed at an accredited institution can make up 40 percent of the certificate requirements.

How do I apply?
Admission to the certificate program is recommended no later than after completion of the first course. Information on the application process.

If you have questions call 612-624-4000 or send an e-mail message to info@cce.umn.edu.